Short Abstract
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Cultural values and beliefs play an important role in the medical attentionseekingbehaviour of the pregnant and postpartum mothers and their newborns during the postnatal period. Newborn care, as with other human behaviours, is influenced by these beliefs and exploration of cultural practices of infant care is therefore essential (Mennella et al, 2005). Many cultures have been reviewed by researchers to have a greater understanding of the health seeking behaviours of the mothers and her newborns. Their influence can interfere with health practices done for the baby. There is a need to understand the cultural beliefs and practices of women in the postnatal period to provide effective postnatal care which satisfies both the woman's cultural needs and her baby's health care needs.
